Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (212 page)
Read Gillian McKeith's Food Bible Online
Authors: Gillian McKeith
Take magnesium citrate and vitamin B
6
(pyridoxine) for hormonal balance. If supplementing with single B vitamins in the long term it is advisable to take a B complex so as not to cause imbalances.
Poke root has been shown to reduce the size of lumps.
Agnus castus is great for helping to balance estrogen and progesterone.
EXTRA TIPS
Eat small, regular meals and snacks and avoid large meals. Large meals raise insulin and put a strain on the body.
Check your breasts regularly so that you know what is normal for you. Consult your doctor if new lumps are felt.
Do regular, moderate exercise. This helps to keep blood-sugar levels stable and gets the lymph moving.
Dry skin brush daily. This gets the lymph moving and aids clearance of toxins. Do not brush any areas that are tender. Follow with hot and cold showers, concentrating the water over the breasts.
FIBROIDS
Fibroids are nonmalignant growths of muscle tissue on the internal or external wall of the uterus or cervix. They can vary in size from a pea to a melon. It is possible to have fibroids without experiencing any symptoms. However, they frequently do cause problems such as heavy and/or frequent periods, sometimes with blood clots, pain during sexual intercourse, vaginal discharge, pain due to pressure exerted on the bowel or bladder, and frequent urination or constipation. The heavy bleeding can lead to anemia and fatigue. Fibroids may even be a factor in cases of infertility. Sometimes surgery is recommended to remove the fibroids. This is known as a myomectomy.
Fibroids are common in women in their thirties and forties. They often shrink when estrogen levels fall after menopause.
CAUSES
Fibroids are thought to be caused by high estrogen levels relative to progesterone. The contraceptive pill may increase the risk of fibroids because of its estrogen content.
Action plan
If you suffer from any of the symptoms above, consult your GP.
EAT/DRINK
Sea vegetables, which are useful for breaking down growths such as fibroids. Try kelp, nori, dulse, kombu, and arame. Kelp and nori may be the easiest to use, as they can be bought as flakes that can be sprinkled onto soups and salads. Use just a small amount at a time, as they are very concentrated foods.
Fiber to aid removal of old hormones. Fruit, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, and flax seeds are all useful.
Oily fish, hemp seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds and the cold-pressed oils of these seeds are all good sources of essential fats, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and are essential for hormone balance.